The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-07-14
P0stsCliiDt--4a.n
CITIZEN and P6ESIDENr.
AR. CLEVELAND'S ADDRESS AT
The CLINTON BANQUET.
Additional Railroad News - Odds
and Ends From Various
Sources.

CLINTON, N. Y, July 13.-At the
banquet, in response to "The Presi-
dent Of the United States" President
Cleveland spoke as follows: II am
inclined to content myself on this oe-
casion with an ackno wledgement, on
behalf Of the people Of the United
States, Of the compliment which you
have paid to the Office which repre-
sents their sovereignty. But such an
acknowledgment suggests an idea
which cannot RETAIN from dwelling
upon for Q moment. That the office
of President Of the United
States does represent the sovereign
ty OF 80,0Co, 1000 Of people is to my
mind statement full OF solemnity, for
this sovereignty conceive to be the
working act or enforcement Of the
divine gilt Of man to govern himself
and q manifestation OF Gods plans
concerning the human race. Though
the struggles Of political parties to
secure the incumbency OF this office,
and the questionable methods some
times resorled to for its position may
not be in keeping with this idea. and
though the deceit practiced 10 mis-
lead the people in their choice and its
TOO frequent influence on their suf-
frsge may surprise us, theoe things.
should never lead us astray In our est.
mate OF this exalted position and its
value and digoity, and though your
fellow cltz,n, who may bs chosen to
perform Tor time the duties u this
highest place, should be badly electeo >.
and though the best attaiDable results
may not be reached oy his ADMINISTERS
ton, yet the exacting watchtuiness OF
the people, freed from the disturbing
turmoil Of political excitement, onRht
to prevent mischance to the office
which represents their sovereignty,
and thOud reduce to mlnimum the
danger Of harm TO tho State. Iby no
means under estimate the importance
| OF the utmost care and ciIcumspection
In the selection OF the incam Dent. On
the contrary, 1 believe there 10 no OBJ
legation Of citizenship that de-
mands more thought and conscisn.
lions study than the citizsn'b duty TO
the Office and It's selected incumbent.
This duty Is only performed when In
the interest Of the entire people, the
full exercise OF the owners of the
ctief masistracy Is insisted on, and
when for the peoples ssIe,y due re-
gard for tbs limitations placed upon
the flee Is exscted. These things
should be enforced by the manifesto.
tion ,f a calm and enlightened public
opinion. But this should not be
simulated by the mere clamor
OF disappointed interest, which without
regard for the general good or allow
sDcs for tho exercise Of official judg-
ments, wou d degrade the Office by
forcing compliance with selfish de-
msnds. II your President should not
be II the people and one OF your iel.
low ciizsas, he would be utterly unfit
for the position, Incapable of under.
standing the peoples wants and care.
less Of their desires. That he 10 one Of
the people implies that he is subject
to human irailty and error, but he
should DO permitted TO claim
but little federation for mistakes.
The generosity OF his fellow citizsns
should alone decree hos far good In.
tentions should excuse his shortcom-
ines. Walch well, then, this high
tftce, The most precious possession Of
American citizenship. Demand for II
the most complete devotion on the
part OF him to whose custody II may
be inlru'led, aad protsct not less VIC.
leDtly from unNorthy assaults from
without Thus will you perform q
sacred duiy to yourselves and 10 those
who may fhllow you In ihe enjoyment
OF the ifetst institutions which heaven
Las ever youchaaird 10 man."